Battle For 5th Place In The East

I was taking a long look at the schedules remaining for a discussion on another site. It was so much work i figured it would be a waste not to post what i found on this site, and get your guys opinions!

Now, I realize catching a team like Atlanta or Orlando is completley possible, and so is getting passed by Chicago. But i have simply added up the schedules remaining for The Raptors, and their two nearest competitors in Miami and Charlotte.

Quick Notes
Toronto has the easiest strength of schedule remaining, but barely
Toronto has played the most games, but has played the fewest home games
Charlotte has the toughest strength of schedule remaining, most games remaining, and most back to backs remaining
Toronto's next 10 games (7 home, 3 away) come against teams with a combined winning percentage .332

In conclusion, I think Toronto has the easiest schedule remaining, due to the strength of schedule, but mostly to the fact we play 2 more home games than both Charlotte and Miami, while playing 2 less games than Miami, and 3 less than Charlotte. Charlotte has the toughest schedule remaining. They play the most games, and against the toughest competition.

Toronto should really shine in this situation, really there isn't any excuse why they can't come in night in and out and beat these teams. I think Charlotte is more dangerous than Miami at this point, and I expect them to give us the most trouble in terms of playoff racing. There are a lot of bad teams we will be playing and without some major goofups should have a SOLID chance at 5th. I expect 5th.

I was taking a long look at the schedules remaining for a discussion on another site. It was so much work i figured it would be a waste not to post what i found on this site, and get your guys opinions!

Now, I realize catching a team like Atlanta or Orlando is completley possible, and so is getting passed by Chicago. But i have simply added up the schedules remaining for The Raptors, and their two nearest competitors in Miami and Charlotte.

Quick Notes
Toronto has the easiest strength of schedule remaining, but barely
Toronto has played the most games, but has played the fewest home games
Charlotte has the toughest strength of schedule remaining, most games remaining, and most back to backs remaining
Toronto's next 10 games (7 home, 3 away) come against teams with a combine strength of schedule of .332

In conclusion, I think Toronto has the easiest schedule remaining, due to the strength of schedule, but mostly to the fact we play 2 more home games than both Charlotte and Miami, while playing 2 less games than Miami, and 3 less than Charlotte. Charlotte has the toughest schedule remaining. They play the most games, and against the toughest competition.

The Raptors need to beat the Heat this week. This game of course will be a two game swing in the standings. If there is a must win game, especially being at home, this early in the schedule this in my opinion will definitely be one.

The game against Miami is obviously important if the Raptors want the 5th seed. Also, with the first 7 of those games coming before the all star break, the Raptors have a real chance to be ridding high at the break. The Raptors have won 2 in a row, and looking at the next 10, I don't see a game I think they should loose. I know they won't win them all, however they have a chance to get to 6 or 7 games above .500 at the trade deadline, which could alter Colangelo's mindset.

I have created an excel spread sheet that will let me copy and past the NBA Standings, and will spit out the strength of schedule remaining for Toronto, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, and Orlando. If people want, I can post updates in this thread two weeks or so.